be gone

USAGE SUMMARY

"be gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a command or request for someone to leave, sometimes in a more forceful manner than other expressions such as "go away." For example, "Be gone! I do not want to see you here again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("Be gone, be gone, O butcher").

The New York Times

Then I'll be gone.

The New York Times

Dark spots be gone!

The New York Times

"He'll be gone.

The Guardian

They'll all be gone".

The New Yorker

Everything will be gone".

The New York Times - Sports

"It'll be gone forever.

Independent

They'd be gone soon.

The New Yorker

It may be gone.

The New York Times

It would be gone".

The New York Times

Tomorrow she'll be gone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be gone" sparingly and mindfully, as it can sound archaic or overly dramatic in modern contexts. Save it for situations where you want to evoke a strong sense of authority or urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "be gone" in everyday conversations where a simple "go away" or "leave" would suffice. Overusing it can make you sound pretentious or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be gone" functions as an imperative, specifically used to issue a command or express a strong desire for someone or something to leave. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, often carrying a more forceful tone than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

19%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be gone" serves as a forceful imperative, conveying a strong command or desire for something to depart. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct, but its use should be deliberate, as it often carries a formal or even archaic tone. While frequently found in news and media, its impact is most pronounced when used to create a dramatic effect or express authority. Consider alternatives like "go away" or "leave" for more casual situations. Understanding its register and purpose allows writers to wield this phrase effectively and avoid unintended misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go away

A more common and less forceful way to ask someone to leave.

leave

A simple and direct command to depart.

get out

A more forceful command to leave immediately.

vanish

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance.

disappear

Similar to vanish, but can also imply a gradual fading away.

be off

A more informal way to tell someone to leave or depart.

take off

Suggests a quick or hasty departure.

scram

A slang term for leaving quickly, often used in an urgent situation.

get lost

An impolite way of telling someone to go away.

clear off

Similar to "be off", but can also imply clearing a space or area.

FAQs

How can I use "be gone" in a sentence?

You can use "be gone" as a command or strong suggestion for someone or something to leave. For example, "Troubles, "be gone"!" or "Be gone from this place!".

What can I say instead of "be gone"?

Alternatives include "go away", "leave", "get out", or "vanish" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be gone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be gone" is grammatically correct. It uses the imperative form of the verb "be" followed by the past participle "gone", creating a command for someone or something to depart.

When is it appropriate to use "be gone"?

The phrase "be gone" is most appropriate when you want to sound dramatic, authoritative, or archaic. It's less common in everyday speech and more often found in literature, fantasy settings, or situations where you want to emphasize a strong sense of dismissal.